PRESS RELEASE

NACWA Statement on Senate Democrat's Infrastructure Proposal

(Washington, DC) – This week, Senate Democrats released a $1 Trillion plan to invest in America’s infrastructure—a plan in which clean water occupies a well-deserved front-and-center position in America’s infrastructure conversation.

Specifically, the plan would provide $115 Billion in federal investment over 10 years (or an average of $11.5 billion per year) for water infrastructure, divided equally between water and wastewater. These levels of funding would be unprecedented for water and wastewater – more than a tripling of current funding levels – and reflect a recognition of the significant water infrastructure investment needs that local utilities face in providing vital services in an affordable manner, while also achieving compliance with a growing array of federal and state regulatory requirements.

In addition to the funding provisions, the plan includes important policy provisions including bipartisan support for integrated planning concepts and improving the resiliency of federal investments. We applaud and thank Senate Democrats for including these vital policy issues which NACWA, in partnership with other key stakeholders, has strongly advocated.

This plan for modernizing American infrastructure joins the recently released White House Infrastructure Plan, which proposes an alternative path forward focused heavily on leveraging local, state, and private spending. We look forward to working closely with Congress to advance infrastructure legislation on a bipartisan basis. NACWA believes Congress should take the best of all the ideas proposed to achieve the shared goal of advancing America’s infrastructure, which includes ensuring clean and safe water as a top priority, and strengthening an infrastructure network that supports the nation’s economy, environment and quality of life.

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About NACWA

For nearly 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues. NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all. Our vision is to represent every utility as a NACWA member, helping to build a strong and sustainable clean water future. For more information, visit us at www.nacwa.org.